ARLINGTON- Boeing is examining strategies for Spirit AeroSystems to lessen or significantly diminish its connections with Airbus, as the aerospace manufacturer’s collaboration with the European company presents challenges for Boeing’s efforts to acquire its former subsidiary.
Sources familiar with the situation revealed to Reuters that Boeing is considering divesting or reallocating certain Spirit AeroSystems divisions that provide critical components to Airbus if an agreement is reached.
Boeing Spirit AeroSystems Acquisition
Boeing and Airbus are the primary commercial aircraft manufacturers globally, each striving to address quality issues and manage expenses.
Grappling with a crisis stemming from a mid-air cabin panel blowout on a 737 MAX 9 in January, Boeing is intensifying its focus on resolving these challenges.
The incident prompted Boeing to accelerate considerations about reintegrating Spirit into its operations. This reevaluation comes as Boeing reconsiders its decision two decades ago to separate a vital segment of its manufacturing operations to reduce costs.
Boeing is also refining a defensive strategy in anticipation of potential concerns from European regulators regarding Airbus’s reliance on its main competitor for crucial components in its supply chain, some of which are custom-made using proprietary design and technology.
The Airbus segment accounted for a fifth of Spirit Aero’s revenue in 2023, making it significant enough to be considered in a potential deal. However, Boeing could proceed with a purchase of Spirit without selling those particular businesses.
Nevertheless, Boeing hesitates to acquire Spirit Aero’s Airbus-related operations, encompassing wing production for the A220 jet in Belfast, Northern Ireland—a venture that operates at a loss.
Spirit, valued at approximately $3.8 billion, has reportedly engaged in preliminary discussions with Airbus regarding the Belfast plant’s potential sale, as Reuters reported.
Challenges for Airbus
The extent to which Airbus might be open to absorbing Spirit’s operations remains uncertain. Although Airbus has limited options to prevent Spirit’s direct sale to Boeing, it has considerable influence through lobbying efforts with European governments.
According to the sources, Airbus may attempt to compel Boeing to address its concerns by potentially renegotiating or terminating Spirit’s contracts related to Airbus.
“One of the sources mentioned that while discussions are ongoing, there is no definite plan in place,” further stating that Airbus is exploring various possibilities.
According to the sources, Boeing has been exploring the possibility of other firms showing interest in acquiring Spirit’s Airbus-related operations. However, it remains unclear if any potential suitors have expressed interest at this point.
In response, Spirit Aero’s spokesman, Joe Buccino, stated that the company is dedicated to prioritizing the interests of its customers, employees, and shareholders. He mentioned that negotiations with Airbus are ongoing, and several viable options are under consideration without providing further details.
At the close of the fourth quarter in 2023, Spirit’s backlog amounted to around $49 billion, encompassing tasks across all commercial platforms listed in the Airbus and Boeing backlog. Their most recent annual report indicates that Airbus projects contribute 19% of Spirit Aero’s revenue, a notable increase from 10% recorded in 2013.
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